Emerald Spire

Game Master Awenydd83

Previously:

chance to recover arrow that landed in meat-haunch earlier on 33-83: 1d100 ⇒ 68

Mikhail calls up the stairs.

"You up there! You are hereby accused of directly obstructing an unholy man in his duties, violations #13 through #17 of the Ruin Safety Code of North Avistan, and littering on an historical site!"

Intimidate to demoralize red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Present round:

"The same goes for YOU! One final thing you will learn before you die: NOBODY escapes, nor expects, the Inquisition! Wait, that was two final things. RIGHT. Two final things you will learn before you die: NOBODY escapes the Inquition! Nobody expects the Inquisition! There is nowhere to hide from the Inquisition - BUGGER! Right! You will learn no fewer than THREE final things before you die!"

Intimidate to demoralize blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Mikail tries to demoralize the goblins, but between the distance, the fog of battle, the language barriers, and the fact that at this point Mikhail is just a disembodied voice floating down the stairwell, it doesn't do much good.

Gadrielle and Zifan are delayed

The red cloaked goblin is held in place by Uhvat's spell, but the archer has no such restraints. Fortunately for Galonor, the arrow shatters against the wall.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12

Bold May Post
Chinchi
Goblins
~Red
~Blue
Uhvat- 3 dmg
Galonor- 5 dmg
Mikhail
Gadrielle x2
Zifan x2

Active effects:
Inspire Courage +1/+1 lingering x1

Mikhail tries again:

Intimidate to demoralize blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Zifan can't see anything. "How are you all doing? I'll keep eye in the back just in case." She slaps Mikhail on the back and casts Guidance on him. "You tell them. Whatever it is you told them."

Likewise, Galonor tries his hardest once more to vanquish the goblin in front of him. But his swings are very inconsistent, and he grunts in frustration! "Groohf!"

Greatsword,PA, IC: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 15S: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 13

Perhaps an aid another would make the attack hit?

Mikhail: Demoralize requires line of sight..
Galonor: Tell you what.. You are a step higher than the goblin.. on top of the height difference. I'll grant a "Higher Ground" bonus to the party for this fight.

Zifan tries to contribute any way she can from being so far away from the fight.

Golonor the Mighty lives up to his name once more with a massive and barely controlled swing. From his position higher on the stairs, his sword manages to catch the top of the goblins head, taking it right off!

Bold May Post
Chinchi
Goblins
~Blue
Uhvat- 3 dmg
Galonor- 5 dmg
Mikhail
Gadrielle x2
Zifan

Active effects:
Inspire Courage +1/+1 lingering x1

You're too kind!

In a twist of events, Galonor looks surprisingly amused that his swing hit the sweet spot this time around. "That was meant to happen." He tells the group with a little bit of confidence.

"Good one, Galonor. My turn." With the red goblin down, Uhvat moves down the stairs past Gadrielle and Galonor, swinging the large lash down upon the head of the blue goblin.

ectoplasmic lash vs green, IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24 dmg: 2d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 + 1 = 14

Sorry, been a rough couple days, and yesterday the site was down.

Gadrielle attempts to overrun the little runt, gritting her teeth as she does so.

Provoking from Blue!

Overrun vs Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Not a prob Gadrielle!

Galonor tries to bolster the groups confidence and Uhvat steps forward to use his Lash. Ectoplasmic tendrils snap out and wrap themselves around the little goblins neck, slicing through rubbery skin and breaking the bones beneath!

Out of Combat

Looking about at the landing you have discovered, you find the way forward barred by a thick and heavy reinforced wooden door. Instead of age weakening this wood, it seems that it has only ripened.. growing stout and tough as the steel used to band and reinforce it.

On the wall next to the door is a rune etched into the wall. It is very similar to the drawing of the rune you found in the scroll tube.

The door before you is locked and very secure.

Gadrielle taps on the door lightly with the tip of the falchion. "A door for later maybe. Did we check the staircase going up?"

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"This marks mean something, but I can't tell you what. It seems like a personal mark - maybe someone is trying to lay claim? Anyway, door or stairs up, it's all the same to me. I am more intrigued by the door, though."]

"Interesting. Doesn't seem like something goblins would do. I wonder if they just found the scroll. Let's go up first. We know this door is locked fairly tight. Anything interesting on the goblins?" Zifan moves back so the front line can head upstairs.

"Peculiar." Galonor comments as he notes the odd rune like markings on the door. "But if we have means to open it, the stairs look like the practical option. Umm, could my wounds be looked at?" He points to the nasty arrow stuck in his abdomen.

Uhvat- 3 dmg
Galonor- 5 dmg

Once the healing is taken care of, I will push us onward. I do have to say that I am impressed.. we are going into the boss fight in under two months!!! Make sure that the reporting info entered on the discussion link is correct because I will be working on chronicles beginning tonight.

Zifan studie Galonor's wound. "Let me see here. Don't move." She removes the arrow quickly with only the two word warding, and then channels positive energy. "There you should feel a little better now. Uhvat should be all healed up."

She takes her place in the back of the line hunching down slightly to stay out of Galonor's line of sight as much as possible. She might be hiding behind Chinchi and Mikael just a little bit which looks ridiculous.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Uhvat stands awkwardly for someone to offer some healing. He then thanks Zifan for her help. "I've got to get one of those healing sticks," he mutters.

We also found a wand of cure light wounds right? Perhaps we can use that to heal up Galonor's remaining wounds?

I'm not sure utilizing a charge for -2 hp is good use of resource, I think at -2 I'm fairly confident.

"Much thanks Lady Zifan." Galonor address her after being administered some aid. He swings around his arms as if to test them "All good." And motions to carry on.

Gadrielle nods, satisfied, and moves along.

Galonor that was my thought on the -2. Which is why I didn't preemptively use the wand. -2 on Chinchi would be a different situation.

Actually, according to my recap, Galonor was at -5 and Uhvat was -3 hp. Anything additional may be retconned.

The team heals up, then moves back towards the ascending stairway. Stairs wind upward to the right, circling around a glowing wall of semi-translucent green stone. It seems the Azlanti tower was built around a core of some other material—a spire within a spire.

After several turns, you come across another heavy wooden door, this one with a shuttered arrow slit in the middle. Trying the handle, the door is locked however, it seems that this door is not as strong as the one downstairs.

Chinchi doesn't take damage. I am the wind....
Seriously, though - after the recap, Zifan channeled for 3, so that left Galonor at -2 and Uhvat full. So I think we are good.

"Locked, you say? More goblins, perhaps? Here, let me take a look-see and maybe I can fix that."

Perception, for traps: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Assuming he can keep trying...

Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Disable Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

And if not dead or open yet, just take 20 for 26.

Ah. I misunderstood then! My fault. Still trying to wake up!

Chinchi looks over the door, but doesn't see any traps. Pulling out her tools, she gets to work on the lock.
The scratching and muttering catches the attention of somone within, and the arrow slit opens up and a bleary red veined eye peers through at you.

"Who you! Go 'way! Where Goblin Tribe?!"

Galonor looks confused as he turns to the rest keeping a low voice. "Are we expecting somebody?" More so curious about the whole endeavour, but does not speak back to the red veined eye.

"We are the entertainment. Weren't you informed?"

Chinchi starts playing a quiet lullaby.

Cast Lullaby spell. Will Save DC 14 to negate.

If that works, then he will continue to play, casting a Sleep spell in the following round. DC 15, plus any that failed the lullaby get a -2 on their roll.

"We dance we sing. We're much better than goblins." She glares at the eye with HER evil eye.

If possible giving evil eye to the creature -2 on will saves for at least 1 round which should be enough for the Lullaby spell.

LMAO!! Of all the ways I have seen and heard of this going, this by far takes the cake!!! I knew I chose this group for good reasons!!!

Will vs Lullaby: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Will vs Evil Eye: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 -2 will saves/ 1 rnd

The bleary eye is caught by Chinchi's playing a soft tune on her pipes, but when Zifan throws in with her evil eye, the eye pulls back in shock. "You invaders!! You die!! Where my goblins?!?"

Chinchi continues playing the soft song, trying to lull the unknown creature into a deep sleep, but the song seems to have no effect.

Bold May Post
Uhvat
Galonor
Gadrielle
Chinchi
??
Zifan
Mikhail

You may try a strength check to break down the door: DC 20, or Disable Device to unlock the door DC 20. If you choose to wait until the door has been opened please either post your readied action or state that you are delaying.

Seems like Uhvat is in the way for Galonor to crash through. But if Uhvat intends to break down the door, Galonor will aid him, else I will delay.

"Urm, seems violent, should we break down the door?" Galonor asks Uhvat from behind.

"Certainly, that seems a good idea at this time!" Uhvat crouches down and rams himself against the door, with a mighty boost from Galonor.

strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Gah!

Gadrielle curses under her breath. Of course the one time I don't have a portable ram, we end up with the one who is ensconced behind a door.

"Talk to me. How sturdy is this door? Ximenez, can you try and taunt it out?"

Will delay for the time being. Let me know if I'm in the way of someone who can actually deal with this.

Taking some Gm fiat here to help yall out and get through the door.

Uhvat tries to knock in the door, but bounces off with a bruised shoulder.
Trading places with him, Galonor steps forward and with one seemingly effortless shove, the door comes off its hinges.

This strange chamber pulses with the green glow of the column of glass-like crystal that forms the core of the tower. The walls of the room are damaged, and the roof is cracked. The spire in the center juts up, just peaking above the crude ceiling. A bed and a side table sit in the northern half of the room, and archery targets line the southern section of wall.

Standing in front of the door is a very large and hairy bugbear holding a crossbow! It roars at you in defiance as you charge into his chambers.

I am going to go ahead and post for the bugbear and then everyone else will be up. Due to the fluid nature of PbP, Gadrielle will have two actions. I just don't want to hold everyone up. I will sort out the action economy as you post.

The bugbear snarls at Galonor, dropping the bow and clawing for his Morningstar. As the weapon comes free, he waves at Galonor, inviting him forward as the morning star lashes out. It lands with a meaty THWACK! right in the middle of the half orc's chest!
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"This Grulk's domain!!" the creature spits at the party. "You invade my home!!"

Bold May Post
Uhvat
Galonor- 9 dmg
Gadrielle x2
Chinchi
BugBear
Zifan
Mikhail

NOBODY EXPECTS THE EMERALD INQUISITION! Grulk, you are hereby charged with that most egregious of Sins: That Against Hospitality! And from the looks of it, Against Proper Home Security, too! TWO! You are hereby charged of Sins against Hospitality, Against Proper Home Security, and against Upkeep and Maintenance of Private Property! THREE! *sudden, quiet sigh* Once more: You are hereby charged with a good sum of highly egregious Sins, not necessarily limited to, but indisputably including, Sins Against Hospitality, Proper Home Security, Upkeep and Maintenance of Private Property, Proper Rates of Intoxicant Consumption, Proper Choice of Intoxicant Consumption, Grooming, and Use of Our Inside Voices! Charged...and now, JUDGED!"

As Mikhail says this, those around him seem to notice: If he perhaps wasn't taking this all seriously before, he's really serious this time.

JUDGMENT! I start with Protection for this round (assuming I'm stuck on a staircase and can't move any closer to Grulk).

Even Grulk himself is feeling a bit...guilty. DC 14

"Galonor!" Uhvat calls out in concern. However, with the tight quarters, Uhvat is unable to move up. So instead, he switches tactics. He concentrates on the bugbear as tendrils of ectoplasm arises from Uhvat reaching out to the monster. They pierce into his brains, stirring up the primal fear of death and the dead within his mind.

cast cause fear will DC15

"I just healed him up. That's just rude, and I'm inclined to believe all the charges Mikhail has brought against you. Though you forgot about the Improper Care and Feeding of Goblins." She tells Mikhail, and then she channels positive energy.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4
I should be just far enough away that Grulk isn't healed.

"arghh!" Galonor yells as he is struck across the chest, but without much room to play with, he is forced to turn to his trusty greatsword to bring down the enemy. "Graahhh!"

Standard to attack!

Greatsword,PA: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 1 = 18S: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 + 3 = 16

Seeing his sleep song fail, Chinchi livens things up a bit, inspiring courage from his allies.

Complaining to Mikhail about the bugbears hospitality and treatment of its underlings, Zifan channels more healing energy into the group. The wave of golden light just barely reaches up the stairs and around the spire to get to Galonor.

Will DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Uhvat tries to reach into the creature mind and stir up its fear, but the creature is obviously a valiant example of its species! Grulk shakes off the fear and refuses to allow it a hold on him.

Galonor reels from the solid blow of the bugbears weapon, then smiles as the warming glow of healing energy reaches him from below. He lashes out with his greatsword, just barely managing to slice into his target!

Meanwhile, the lullaby fades away as the crash of combat echoes through the stairwell, alerting Chinchi to the need for a better soundtrack. Without skipping a beat, Rock-a-by-baby segues into a thunderous rocking crescendo that sets her allies blood to boiling!

Bold May Post
Uhvat
Galonor- 5 dmg
Gadrielle x2
Chinchi
BugBear- 16 dmg
Zifan
Mikhail

Active:
Inspire Courage +1/+1

Fine. I trundle up, squeeze with Uhvat, and otherwise do the same as above.

Zifan: Looking back, I erroneously counted your Evil Eye hex as legal. This doesn't change anything since he made the save, but if this is counted as a per day thing for you, you get it back.

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Mikhail squeezes up next to Uhvat to declare his proclamation of sins against humanity. The investigator's browbeating seems to have some effect, as the bugbears hands begin to shake and he seems to waiver in his determination.

Bold May Post
Uhvat- Squeezed
Galonor- 5 dmg
Gadrielle x2
Chinchi
BugBear- 16 dmg, shaken
Zifan
Mikhail- Squeezed

Active:
Inspire Courage +1/+1

Gadrielle, seeing her opportunity, attempts to overrun their opponent.

Overrun (Provokes!): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Overrun (Provokes!) (GM Reroll): 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 5 = 29

Grunting at the blow taken, she turns and calls it out. "You think you're so tough, how about you come after a woman your own size, b*%+&."

Challenging that guy. If his CMD is 25 or more, he isn't prone.

Falchion vs Greeny the Bugbear (Not counting Prone): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23
Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 8

If he hit me on my overrun, add another point of damage to that.

Gadrielle charges the bugbear, trying to knock him off his high horse and into the dirt. As she approaches, his morning star lashes out, smacking her hard in the chest as he steps aside to allow her past.
AOO: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

Gaining the room, Gadrielle spins around, slashing her falchion across the bugbears back. The combination of the furious strokes dealt to Grulk nearly sends him to his knee, but somehow he keeps his feet despite the rivers of blood pouring from him.

Grulk drops the head of his morning star and withdraws from the fight! He backs away from the door and around the room until he is leaning against an odd looking tapestry on the far wall. He holds his hands up in surrender calling out "Please! No more! Grulk go away.. Your tower now! Let grulk live, and I tell you 'bout wizard below! You go fight him! I go far far away!" Standing next to the tapestry, he holds for a brief moment to judge your reactions.

Bold May Post
Uhvat- Squeezed
Galonor- 5 dmg
Gadrielle x2- 9 dmg
Chinchi
BugBear- 25 dmg, shaken
Zifan
Mikhail- Squeezed

Active:
Inspire Courage +1/+1

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Gadrielle eyes the bugbear suspiciously, but nonetheless sheathes her blade. "When you leave, maybe you should take the stairs. Jumping out of that window might hurt. Now. What wizard?"

Grulk gives himself away with a quick shift of the eyes towards the tapestry before hurriedly turning back to Gadrielle.
"Wizard down below. Wizard bad.. make nasty bad dead things. But he pay to collect things too. Goblins work for me to find things, I take them to wizard for price. Wizard stay down stairs, we stay upstairs. Good deal.." The words almost trip over themselves in the rushing flood to get out of his mouth in reaction to Gadrielle's questioning.

"What kinds of things did he buy? And what kinds of dead things? Descri... What do they look like" asks Gadrielle, stepping away from the door.

Galonor does not not hinder the bugbear's escape but just watches over the conversation cautiously and readily with his oversized sword to react if matters turned awry.

"Klarkosh buy shiny green rocks with squiggles, metal stuffs goblins find, not know why he want stuff, I just send goblins after it!" the bugbear explains in his broken common. "He command dead things, many different dead things. I not know what.. just goblins go too far down and goblins end up dead too! You go fight Klarkosh.. Grulk go rest.. Grulk not die here!"

If noone else has any questions for the bugbear scholar...

"You can leave Grulk. But let me promise you this. I see you here again, you are my enemy. I kill my enemies. Clear?"

"I am no bloodthirsty creature. As the lady said, flee with your life, and never return!"

Zifan presses herself against the wall and allows the Bubear to leave.